Frequently Asked Questions about High School Equivalency Testing

Approved providers of the high school equivalency assessment in Texas include the GED through GED Testing Service (GEDTS) and the HiSET Exam through Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Texas High School Equivalency Testing At a Glance document will provide you with detailed information about the testing options. Upon the successful completion of a single provider’s exams, the test-taker will be issued a State of Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.

2. Is US Citizenship required to test?
No. There is no citizenship requirement. However, you will need to provide proof of Texas residency.

3. Is a Social Security number required to test?
No. A social security number is not required. However, if the test taker has a social security number, please provide the number when creating the account during registration. This will enable to test taker to verify/purchase duplicate certificates in the future.

4. Can I take the high school equivalency test online?
No. All official high school equivalency tests are taken at certified testing centers across the state.

6. How do I determine which test is best for me?
The tests available are the GED test and the HiSET exam. New test takers will want to review the specific requirements of each test and see which tests are offered in your area when determining which test is best for you. The Texas High School Equivalency Testing At a Glance document will provide you with detailed information outlining the differences in the testing options, such as pricing, delivery methods, and test center locations.

7. Can my testing center provide me with a copy of my certificate?
No, the Texas Education Agency is the only entity authorized to issue certificates in the state of Texas. When a test taker successfully completes the subject area tests required by any single provider, the Texas Education Agency will issue a State of Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.

8. Can I combine scores from different test providers?
No. You cannot combine scores between different providers’ tests. Upon the successful completion of a single provider’s exams the test taker will be issued a State of Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.

9. Can I combine scores from more than one series?
You cannot combine scores from different test series. All incomplete 2002 GED test series scores have expired and cannot be combined with a current test series. You will need to complete and pass one of the current providers' exam series to be issued a State of Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency.

10. If I took subject area tests from one test provider, can I switch to a different test provider?
Yes. A test taker can choose to take tests offered by any of the test providers. However, the test taker will only be issued a State of Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency upon the successful completion of a single provider’s complete test battery.

11. When will I receive my scores?
Scores are typically available within three days for computer-based testing. Paper-based test scores are typically available within 10 business days.

12. How will I receive my initial Certificate of High School Equivalency with scores?
Certificates are issued approximately three business days after the final computer-based test and approximately 14 days after the final paper-based test. TEA will email your initial certificate in a PDF file to the email address used to register for the exams.

13. How do I get my current scores to finish testing?
To view your current scores, please log into your account through your test provider’s website, www.ged.com, www.hiset.ets.org or www.tasctest.com. Incomplete scores from tests taken prior to January 1, 2014 are no longer valid. Incomplete scores on the TASC test are no longer valid.

14. How can my college or employer verify my certificate and scores?
Colleges and employers are urged to obtain verifications from the Texas Certificate/Transcript Search. TEA no longer sends colleges or employers certificates or verifications via mail, fax, or email. If the search returns "No Records Found," please submit a Help Desk ticket to request a record search.

15. How can I have a sealed copy of my certificate and scores mailed to a college?
For a college or university to officially verify GED certificates and scores, please instruct them to visit the Texas Certificate/Transcript Search. TEA no longer sends certificates or verifications to colleges or universities via mail, fax, or email.

16. How can I get a copy of my certificate and scores mailed to me?
Visit the Texas Certificate/Transcript Search to obtain a free verification letter or a PDF containing your Certificate of High School Equivalency and test scores for $5.00. The PDF will include a diploma-style certificate suitable for framing and a transcript with test dates and scores. You can save the PDF to your computer or electronic device, email it to yourself or third parties, and/or print it. Purchases may be made by credit card or check (automated clearing house). Upon the successful completion of the tests, a certificate/transcript is sent to the email address used to register for the exams. For duplicate copies, the www.txchse.com search can be used to purchase your certificate/transcript.

17. Who do I contact if the www.txchse.com search did not find my record?
If your search returns "No Records Found," please submit a Help Desk ticket to request a record search.

18. If I was approved for accommodations by one test provider, will the approval transfer to a different test provider?
No, the accommodations approval will not transfer from one test provider to another. Test takers needing accommodations will need approval from the test provider whose test they are planning to take.

19. If I completed one or more subject area tests in different state, can I continue to test in Texas?
Yes, you can continue GED and HiSET tests. You will need to contact your test provider to update your jurisdiction to Texas on your account prior to scheduling a test. To test in Texas you will need to provide proof of Texas residency.